Opening Cruise Weekend

The club was as busy as a hive last week. In preparation for the opening cruise. Mowing was happening, cleaning was going on and the Restaurant was doing its final touches before its along awaited opening with new managers Vossie and Paul.

The gas geysers were installed at the plaat and the admin staff got there new uniforms. The comrade between all the staff was electric.

There was also a bit of rain that was a blessing but caused havoc with the preparations. But we are all thankful for it all and did not dampen the comrade that we had.

The much awaited Saturday morning arrived it was a picture perfect morning. The restaurant kitchen was alive. All eager to learn how they were going to make the snacks and the prep for the much awaited opening dinner.

The safety boat was back in her place at the bottom of the slip. Errol dressed in his new uniform as well.Oxayo got the chance to go on the safety boat and learn a few more things for his skippers and was full of smiles when he came off the dam.The new uniforms were all admired and some of the members even asked when and how they could order the jackets and gold shirts the suggested that we look at caps as well. Something I which I had thought of when doing the ordering as burnt nicely with the sun this weekend. The time finally arrived for all the sailors and those interested to the first of the activities of the official opening in the afdak. And so the activities of opening started.Mary Ann welcomed all and reflected on the passed winter and her concerns of the worries she has For the coming season with regards to the level of the dam, but also stated that that was not a reason not to sail. Even if the Keelboats did not get onto the water the dingies and multi hulls could have a great time.We could also socialize more and support other clubs as well.She handed Grant is award from the Overberg Sports Council for Volunteer of the year. He was sailing in the Mirror worlds when the awards were handed out. And Neville Sharwood his award for the Photographer of the year. It was Tammy’s matric dance that evening.She only presented to the winners of categories, however sailing had quite a few nominations and recognitions at this awards ceremony.It was a pity that Mr Brent Grimbeek could not address us as I would have found that very interesting.

The Burgee was then broken and a lot of chatting was going on at the Bridge area.It was great to see the Burgee go up and the South African flag up again. It felt right that they were flying again. I did miss them over the winter period.And now it was time for the sail past.I was quite amazed as to how many boats were on the water. Somebody was even brave enough to Launch their power boat. There were youngsters on the water and old retired do I dare say the wordAll having a ball. Then when they came off it was time to all meet on the veranda of the Restaurant again.WOW What a surprise awaited us there. Vossie and Paul really got into the theme.Little boats with snacks in them then little cups of spaghetti Bolognaise were served with wine and Orange juice. Not sure what happened to the champagne. Then the whatts apps groups started with their bantering. Must say that I do enjoy these groups. They really are working hard to get sailing back to its former glory.Lots of members stayed around a chatted while they waited for the much awaited dinner.Other went to check on their boats put them away or go and change.And then the weather changed form the most amazing sailing afternoon to a chilly/cold evening.The tables and chairs were laid out and those members that had not been in to the new revamped restaurant were in for a super surprise.

Dinner was brought out and while the one sitting was eating the others were on the veranda chatting away as if they had not seen each other for years. The buzz and comrade was electric.

With the change of weather and the member’s waiting to be seated a fire was light on the veranda And the curtains were brought down. To get a bit of warmth in, tables and chairs moved and all were sitting together.And then in typical TSC fashion the lights went out. Once the problem had been sorted out all was on track again.

Sunday morning arrived again to the most glorious day once again. It was a fantastic sight to watch the burgee and SA flag going up to their rightful place. The safety boat back in the water.So now it was clean up time for China around the Restaurant and then it was his turn to go onto the safety boat. There was so much excitement there, so that he can also get experience and complete his skippers.They did man over board and China had to keep an eye out for the life jacket and guide Errol in. China also came off the water full of smiles. It’s amazing what is little bit of self-worth has done for these two guys. Once all were up the club was once again a hive of activity. Sail Boats on the water. Chatting going on at sites discussions of the year to come. The Banting on the whatts apps and repairs going on the keel boats. China had a spit tree to removed that was on a caravan and he and the members worked together to get it off. Thanks China for your hard work here.Then as quickly as the weekend arrived it was lunch time and one saw the packing up of most members. And all boats off the water and a massive exit out the gate.Then it was 4h45 and while doing the last checks of the day there was a sail going into the horizon for the last sail of the day.

What a fantastic week end we all had. Thanks to all those that had it happen.